Soledad Man Arrested on Firearm and Drug Charges After Dirt Bike Pursuit Outside of Salinas on June 22

On June 22, 2025, at about 12:51 am deputies observed a dirt bike traveling at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner, in the area of Van Buren Avenue, Fillmore Street in Bolsa Knolls. Deputies attempted a traffic stop near Van Buren Avenue and San Juan Grade Road, but the rider failed to yield, prompting a brief pursuit of approximately a 1/4 mile. The pursuit ended when the dirt bike stalled near the intersection of San Juan Grade Road and Newlyn Street. The rider, later identified as 30-year-old Benny Joe IV Rodriguez of Soledad, fled on foot, leading deputies on a short foot pursuit. However, deputies deployed a Taser and Rodriguez taken into custody without further incident.

A search revealed Rodriguez was in possession of a loaded unregistered handgun with a high-capacity magazine tucked in his waistband. He was also found in possession of methamphetamine, heroin, and stolen property. Additionally, Rodriguez had 2 outstanding warrants – 1 felony and 1 misdemeanor. The dirt bike was confirmed to be stolen.

Rodriguez was transported to the Monterey County Jail and booked on the following charges:

• 25850(c)(6) PC Carrying a loaded unregistered firearm

• 32310(c) PC Possession of a high-capacity magazine

• 496(a) PC Possession of stolen property

• 148(a)(1) PC Resisting or obstructing a peace officer

• 2800.2(a) CVC Felony reckless evading

• 10851(a) CVC Stolen Vehicle

• 11377(a) H&S Possession of methamphetamine

• 11350 H&S Possession of heroin

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Fatal 3 Vehicle Accident Involving Wrong Way Driver on Highway 101 Outside of King City on January 10

A fatal multi-vehicle collision happened on Saturday night, January 10 at 9:51 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 outside of King City. According to the King City CHP a 2016 Toyota Tacoma driven by 65-year-old Paul Lee Cooper of Otis, Oregon was heading the wrong way going southbound in the northbound lanes south of Jolon Road, while a 2006 Toyota Corolla driven by 33-year-old Dinora Maribel Gomez of Salinas was heading northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road in the #1 lane and a Honda Accord driven by 36-year-old Ignacio Sangerman of King City was also traveling northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road but was in the #2 lane. Due to Cooper's level of impairment his vehicle went the wrong way on Highway 101 going directly into the path of Gomez' vehicle causing the rear of her car to crash with the front of the vehicle driven by Sangerman. Cooper was arrested, sustaining major injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas where as of January 12 is...

King City City Council Announces Selection of José Arreola as New City Manager

January 7, 2025-Following an extensive recruitment process, José Arreola has been selected by the King City City Council to be its next City Manager. Arreola will replace Steve Adams, who is retiring after serving in the position for the past 10 years. Arreola was selected from 31 applicants and 8 finalists for the position. The King City City Council will formally consider the proposed city manager contract at its meeting on Tuesday night, January 13. Arreola's first day on the job is scheduled to be February 23. José Arreola has a distinguished career of serving the community with a particular commitment to youth. He has worked for the City of Salinas for 12 years as their Community Safety Program Manager, Community Safety Administrator and Assistant to the City Manager. Among other responsibilities, Arreola has led several programs to eliminate gang violence which aligns well with the City of King’s efforts and priorities. Prior to that, Arreola worked as an Educa...

King City CHP is searching for person of interest who fled the scene of a fatal crash in Greenfield

On Monday, September 16 at approximately 3:50 pm, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Metz Road south of Elm Avenue in Greenfield. The driver who caused the collision fled on foot and is currently outstanding. The California Highway Patrol King City Area is currently seeking the whereabouts of 31-year-old Agustin Santana-Moncada of King City who has been identified as a person of interest in the case. The King City Area is requesting assistance from the public in locating Santana-Moncada. Anyone with information is asked to contact the King City Area office at (831) 385-3216.

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